Tentative Agreement Reached to Continue Provincial Dental Programs

The provincial government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association have reached a tentative agreement to continue the delivery of public dental programs across the province.

The agreement covers the Children’s Dental Program, the Adult Dental Program and the Surgical Dental Program. New memorandums of agreement are expected to be signed in the coming days, covering the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2030.

As part of the tentative deal, the province will introduce a new rural retention bonus aimed at supporting 10 dentists currently working in underserved areas under return-in-service arrangements. The initiative is expected to cost $250,000.

Funding for the Rural Dental Bursary Program will also increase by $250,000, allowing for an additional five recipients each year. This brings the total number of bursary-supported dentists to 15 annually, all of whom are expected to practice in underserved communities.

The agreement also includes expanded coverage under the Adult Dental Program, allowing for the surgical extraction of any tooth — including wisdom teeth — when performed by a general dentist.

In addition, several new fee codes will be introduced to better align with private insurance plans. Coverage levels will increase to 90 per cent of fees outlined in the 2026 Newfoundland and Labrador Dental Association Fee Guide for general practitioners.

Further details are expected to be shared with members of the dental community by the association in the coming days.